Combustor and water heater comprising the same

Abstract

According to the present invention, a burner for a water heater is provided based on a reference direction located upstream of the combustion chamber, the reference direction being the flow direction of combustion gases generated by a combustion reaction. The burner includes a plate-shaped distribution plate for generating the combustion reaction, wherein: when a direction orthogonal to the reference direction is called the length direction and a direction perpendicular to both the reference direction and the length direction is called the width direction, a plurality of through holes are formed to pass through the distribution plate along the reference direction, such that a mixture of fuel and air for the combustion reaction passes through the through holes, and are spaced apart from each other along the length direction and the width direction; the distribution plate has a central portion located at the center relative to the width direction and outer portions located on both sides of the central portion; and the penetration density obtained by dividing the sum of the areas of the through holes located in the outer portions by the area of ​​the outer portions is less than the penetration density obtained by dividing the sum of the areas of the through holes located in the central portion by the area of ​​the central portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a burner and a water heater including the burner. Background Technology

[0002] A water heater is a device used to transfer heat generated through a combustion reaction into water for heating or supplying hot water. The process of using a water heater involves introducing water, heating the introduced water, and discharging the heated water.

[0003] Combustion can occur in a burner, and the burner requires fuel to initiate the combustion reaction. Ignition occurs when fuel passes through a through-hole formed in the burner, in a state that favors flame formation, and a flame can be produced during the combustion reaction.

[0004] Although the heat generated in the burner is used to heat the water, excessive heat is transferred to other components of the water heater during this process, potentially causing deformation, damage, or malfunction of these components. In particular, the peripheral spread of the flame in the burner can overheat the inner walls of the combustion chamber, degrading combustion performance and leading to incomplete combustion. This can result in excessive carbon monoxide production during the combustion reaction in the burner. When incomplete combustion occurs, the thermal efficiency of the water heater may decrease. Summary of the Invention

[0005] [Technical Issues]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a burner for a water heater having improved combustion performance, and a water heater including the burner.

[0007] [Technical Solution]

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, a burner for a water heater is located upstream of a combustion chamber with reference to a reference direction, the reference direction being the flow direction of combustion gases generated by a combustion reaction. The burner includes a plate-shaped distribution plate for generating the combustion reaction, wherein, when a direction perpendicular to the reference direction is defined as a length direction and a direction perpendicular to both the reference direction and the length direction is defined as a width direction, a plurality of through holes are disposed in the distribution plate along the reference direction, spaced apart from each other along the length direction and the width direction, such that a mixture of fuel and air for the combustion reaction passes through the through holes. The distribution plate includes a central portion located at a center with reference to the width direction and outer skirt portions located on opposite sides of the central portion. The penetration density obtained by dividing the sum of the areas of the through holes located on the outer skirt portions by the area of ​​the outer skirt portions is less than the penetration density obtained by dividing the sum of the areas of the through holes located on the central portion by the area of ​​the central portion.

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, a water heater includes: a burner comprising a mixing chamber and a plate-shaped distribution plate, wherein fuel and air are mixed in the mixing chamber to produce a mixture, and the plate-shaped distribution plate generates a combustion reaction when the mixture is injected; a combustion chamber configured such that a flame generated by the combustion reaction is located inside the combustion chamber; a heat exchanger that heats water using heat generated by the combustion reaction; and a combustion chamber insulated conduit configured such that water flows to the outside of the combustion chamber to insulate the combustion chamber, wherein the direction of the flow of combustion gases generated by the combustion reaction is defined as a reference direction, and the flow direction is relative to the reference direction. A perpendicular direction is defined as the length direction, and a direction perpendicular to both the reference direction and the length direction is defined as the width direction. A plurality of through holes are arranged in the distribution plate along the reference direction and spaced apart from each other along the length and width directions, such that the mixture passes through the through holes. The distribution plate includes a central portion located at the center with reference to the width direction and outer skirt portions located on opposite sides of the central portion. The through holes formed in the outer skirt portions are arranged such that the outer distal end of the flame formed by the mixture passing through the through holes arranged in the outer skirt portions with reference to the width direction is located inside the portion of the sidewall of the combustion chamber that contacts the combustion chamber insulation pipe.

[0010] [Beneficial Effects]

[0011] Therefore, it is possible to improve the combustion performance of the burner so as to avoid incomplete combustion and the production of carbon monoxide as a byproduct. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a water heater according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a view showing a portion of a longitudinal cross-section of a water heater according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a view showing the shape of the distribution plate of a burner with through holes according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a view showing the shape of the distribution plate of a burner according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a view showing the shape of the distribution plate of a burner according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a view showing the shape of the distribution plate of a burner according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a view showing the shape of the distribution plate of a burner according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a view showing the state in which the support stop portion of the burner frame covers the distribution plate according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a view showing the state of the cover plate covering the distribution plate according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a view showing the shape of the frame produced in a burner using an exemplary distribution plate.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a view showing the shape of a flame generated in a burner according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0048778, filed on April 14, 2021, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0042484, filed on April 5, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0024] In the following, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When adding reference numerals to components in the drawings, it should be noted that the same components are represented by the same reference numerals even when drawn in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing embodiments of the invention, detailed descriptions of related known configurations and functions will be omitted when it is determined that such detailed descriptions might hinder understanding of the embodiments of the invention.

[0025] Furthermore, when describing components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, "A", "B", (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are used only to distinguish components, and the nature, order, and sequence of the corresponding components are not limited by these terms. When describing a component as "connected to," "coupled to," or "electrically connected to" another component, it should be understood that the former component may be directly connected, fastened, or connected to the latter component, but a third component may be "connected," "coupled to," or "electrically connected" between the two components.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a water heater 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a view showing a portion of a longitudinal cross-section of a water heater 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] The direction of the combustion gas flow generated by the combustion reaction is defined as the reference direction D1, a direction perpendicular to the reference direction D1 is defined as the length direction D3, and a direction perpendicular to the reference direction D1 and the length direction D3 is defined as the width direction D2.

[0028] The components can be arranged along a reference direction D1. Here, the reference direction D1 can be downward. In the instruction manual, for ease of description, reference direction D1, width direction D2, and length direction D3 are referred to. These directions can be determined relative to the direction in which the water heater 1 is arranged.

[0029] The water heater 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention may have a burner 10, a combustion chamber 20, and heat exchangers 30 and 40, which are arranged sequentially along a reference direction D1. Therefore, the combustion gases generated in the burner 10 can flow downwards and can be discharged via the combustion chamber 20 and the heat exchangers 30 and 40. The heat exchangers 30 and 40 may include a latent heat heat exchanger 40 and a sensible heat heat exchanger 30, and the sensible heat heat exchanger 30 may be disposed inside the combustion chamber 20.

[0030] Combustion chamber 20

[0031] The water heater 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention may include a combustion chamber 20. The flame generated by the combustion reaction produced by the burner 10 may be located inside the combustion chamber 20. The combustion chamber 20 may have a box-like shape with openings on its upper and lower sides, and the burner 10 may be connected to an upstream side relative to a reference direction D1, and heat exchangers 30 and 40 may be connected to its downstream side. Therefore, combustion gases can be generated in the burner 10 and can be transported via the combustion chamber 20 to the sensible heat exchanger 30 and the latent heat exchanger 40.

[0032] Combustion chamber 20 may have sidewalls 21. The sidewalls 21 of combustion chamber 20 may include two general sidewalls spaced apart from each other along the length direction D3, and two adiabatic sidewalls spaced apart from each other along the width direction D2. The general sidewalls and adiabatic sidewalls may be connected to each other to define a combustion space 200. Each passage cover 22 includes a passage cover as a portion protruding to the outside of combustion chamber 20, and the passage cover 22 may be connected to the outside of the general sidewalls along the length direction D3, respectively. Therefore, a space in which water can flow may be defined between the general sidewalls and the passage covers, and this space may communicate with an adjacent adiabatic conduit or an adjacent sensible heat exchange conduit 32, as will be described below, to define a portion of an adiabatic passage including the adiabatic conduit and a sensible heat exchange conduit including the sensible heat exchange conduit 32.

[0033] Heat exchangers 30 and 40

[0034] Heat exchangers 30 and 40 heat water by utilizing the heat generated through a combustion reaction. Heat exchangers 30 and 40 can be divided into sensible heat exchangers 30 and latent heat exchangers 40, depending on the type of heat used.

[0035] Each of heat exchangers 30 and 40 may have a housing 70. The housing 70 of heat exchangers 30 and 40 may include two heat exchange general-purpose side plates 71 spaced apart from each other along a length direction D3, and two heat exchange / insulation side plates 72 spaced apart from each other along a width direction D2. The heat exchange general-purpose side plates 71 and the heat exchange / insulation side plates 72 may be connected to each other to define an internal space within the housing 70. Each heat exchange passage cover includes a passage cover as a portion protruding to the exterior of heat exchangers 30 and 40, and the heat exchange passage cover may be connected along the length direction D3 to the exterior of the heat exchange general-purpose side plate 71. Therefore, a space in which water can flow may be formed between the heat exchange general-purpose side plate 71 and the passage cover, and this space may communicate with at least one of an adjacent sensible heat insulation pipe 52, an adjacent sensible heat exchange pipe 32, and an adjacent latent heat exchange pipe to define at least one of a portion of a sensible heat passage including the sensible heat exchange pipe 32 and a portion of a latent heat passage including the latent heat exchange pipe.

[0036] At least a portion of the sensible heat exchanger 30 can be inserted into the combustion chamber 20. The sensible heat exchanger 30 can be disposed inside the combustion chamber 20. Therefore, the sensible heat fins 31, which will be described below, can contact the inner surface of the combustion chamber 20. The sensible heat exchanger 30 can be disposed in the lower portion of the combustion space 200, which is the internal space of the combustion chamber 20. The flame of the burner 10 can be located in the upper portion of the combustion space 200.

[0037] The water heater 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention may include an insulated pipe 50, and the insulated pipe 50 may include a combustion chamber insulated pipe 51. The insulated pipe 50 may include a sensible heat insulated pipe 52. The sensible heat insulated pipe 52 may be configured to be adjacent to the outside of the insulated side plate relative to the width direction D2. Water may flow inside the insulated pipe 50 to insulate the combustion chamber 20 and the sensible heat exchanger 30. The combustion chamber insulated pipe 51 can insulate the combustion chamber 20, and the sensible heat insulated pipe 52 can insulate the sensible heat exchanger 30. The insulated pipe 50 may include a latent heat insulated pipe, which is configured to be adjacent to the latent heat exchanger 40 from the outside. Water may flow inside the latent heat insulated pipe to insulate the latent heat exchanger 40.

[0038] The sensible heat insulation pipe 52 can be positioned adjacent to the sensible heat exchanger 30. However, since the sensible heat insulation pipe 52 contacts the outer surface of the heat exchange / insulation side plate 72, it can also be positioned relative to the heat exchange / insulation side plate 72 and opposite to the sensible heat exchanger 30. In this configuration, a portion of the sensible heat insulation pipe 52 can be positioned at a height similar to that of the sensible heat exchanger 30 relative to the vertical direction, so as to overlap with the sensible heat exchanger 30 relative to the width direction D2 in a cross-section taken along a plane perpendicular to the length direction D3.

[0039] The sensible heat exchanger 30 is configured to receive heat generated by the combustion reaction produced in the burner 10 and to heat the water flowing inside it. Although the sensible heat exchanger 30 according to an embodiment of the invention has been described as a finned tube heat exchanger, another type of heat exchanger (e.g., a plate heat exchanger) can be used as a sensible heat exchanger.

[0040] The sensible heat exchanger 30 may include sensible heat exchange conduits 32 and sensible heat fins 31. The sensible heat exchange conduits 32 are conduits configured to receive heat generated by the combustion reaction and heat water flowing through them. Water may flow inside the sensible heat exchange conduits 32, and combustion gases may flow around them, so that they exchange heat through the medium of the sensible heat exchange conduits 32.

[0041] The sensible heat exchange pipe 32 can extend along the length direction D3 and can be arranged along the width direction D2. The opposite ends of the sensible heat exchange pipe 32 can communicate with the space defined by the channel cover as described above to define a sensible heat channel. In the sensible heat exchange pipe 32, one of the sensible heat exchange pipes 32 located at opposite ends along the width direction D2 can be connected to the latent heat exchanger 40 to serve as the inlet of the sensible heat channel, while the other can be connected to the sensible heat insulation pipe 52 to serve as the outlet of the sensible heat channel.

[0042] In a cross-section taken along a plane perpendicular to the length direction D3 of the sensible heat exchange pipe 32, the internal space of the sensible heat exchange pipe 32 can be a slot shape extending in the upward / downward direction. The internal space of the sensible heat exchange pipe 32 can have a shape in which the value obtained by dividing its length in the upward / downward direction in the cross-section by its width along the width direction D2 is 2 or greater.

[0043] The sensible heat fins 31 can be plate-shaped and perpendicular to the direction in which the sensible heat exchange pipe 32 extends. Multiple sensible heat fins 31 can be provided, and the sensible heat fins can pass through the sensible heat exchange pipe 32. The sensible heat exchanger 30 can increase the heat transfer area by using the sensible heat fins 31.

[0044] The upper portion of the sensible heat fin 31 can be formed along the sensible heat exchange pipe 32 and can protrude upwards. Louvered openings along the length direction D3 and louvers protruding from the circumference of the louvered openings along the length direction D3 can be formed at the lower portion of the sensible heat fin 31, thereby guiding the flow of combustion gases to the periphery of the sensible heat exchange pipe 32.

[0045] The sensible heat insulation pipe 52 can be connected to the combustion chamber insulation pipe 51 to connect the sensible heat passage to the combustion chamber passage defined by the combustion chamber insulation pipe 51. However, the sensible heat exchange pipe 32 and the combustion chamber insulation pipe 51 can be directly connected to each other, so that the combustion chamber passage and the subsequent sensible heat passage are connected to each other.

[0046] The latent heat exchanger 40 is positioned downstream of the sensible heat exchanger 30 relative to the reference direction D1, and is configured to heat the water flowing through it using the latent heat of the combustion gases generated and flowing through the combustion reaction. The combustion gases can be transported to the latent heat exchanger 40 via the sensible heat exchanger 30. The water can be first heated in the latent heat exchanger 40 and can be further heated via the sensible heat exchanger 30. Therefore, the heat exchange pipes included in the latent heat exchanger 40 can be connected to the sensible heat exchange pipes 32 of the sensible heat exchanger 30 to transport the heated water to the sensible heat exchanger 30.

[0047] The latent heat heat exchanger 40 can be a plate heat exchanger formed by stacking multiple latent heat plates, and can be a finned tube heat exchanger including heat exchange pipes and fins through the heat exchange pipes, similar to the sensible heat heat exchanger 30, but its type is not limited to this.

[0048] Water can be transported to a heating pipe located within a heating target that requires external heating. After heat is transferred to the heating target, a closed loop can be formed, allowing water to return to water heater 1 and circulate. Furthermore, water can be transported through a circulation pipe to a hot water heat exchanger for hot water production.

[0049] Multiple combustion chamber insulation pipes 51 can be installed. Figure 2 In the figure, multiple combustion chamber insulation pipes are adjacent to the left and right sides of the combustion chamber 20 and can be arranged to be vertically spaced apart from each other. The figure shows a total of four combustion chamber insulation pipes 51, with two combustion chamber insulation pipes 51 arranged on the left side of the combustion chamber 20 and vertically spaced apart from each other, and two combustion chamber insulation pipes 51 arranged on the right side of the combustion chamber 20 and vertically spaced apart from each other.

[0050] In the combustion chamber insulated pipe 51, the lower end of the lowest combustion chamber insulated pipe 51 can be located above the upper end of the sensible heat fins 31 included in the sensible heat exchanger 30. Then, the distance from the lower end of the burner 10 to the upper end of the sensible heat fins 31 can be no less than 80 mm and no more than 85 mm. With this structure, the phenomenon of carbon monoxide quenching can be reduced.

[0051] The carbon monoxide quenching phenomenon refers to the phenomenon that carbon monoxide produced by combustion cannot meet oxygen in the high-temperature region of the combustion chamber 20, thus converting into carbon dioxide and being emitted, and that carbon monoxide is emitted as is when it comes into contact with the sensible heat exchanger 30, which has a relatively low temperature.

[0052] The combustion chamber insulation duct 51 can contact the outer surface of the combustion chamber insulation side plate 212g to insulate the combustion chamber 20. The heat generated by the combustion reaction and transported to the outer area of ​​the combustion chamber 20 through the side wall 21 can be reduced as heating water flows through the combustion chamber insulation duct 51.

[0053] A portion of the insulating side plate that contacts the combustion chamber insulating duct 51, which is part of the side wall 21, can have an inwardly protruding shape to correspond to the appearance of the combustion chamber insulating duct 51. Therefore, compared to the case where the insulating side plate has a simple plate shape, the outer surface of the combustion chamber insulating duct can contact the insulating side plate over a wider area.

[0054] The combustion chamber passage may include at least one of parallel sections and series sections. The combustion chamber passage that insulates the combustion space 200 when water flows around it may be formed by connecting the passage cover formed in the passage cover plate 22 and the combustion chamber insulation pipe 51.

[0055] Adapter 60

[0056] The water heater 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention may include an adapter 60. The adapter 60 may connect a sensible heat channel and a combustion chamber channel. The adapter may connect an outlet of the sensible heat channel and an inlet of the combustion chamber channel. As described above, the outlet of the sensible heat channel may be defined by the distal end of one of the sensible heat exchange pipes 32, by the distal end of one of the sensible heat exchange pipes 32 and a channel cover connected thereto, and by the distal end of one of the sensible heat insulation pipes 52. The inlet of the combustion chamber channel may be defined by the distal end of one of the combustion chamber insulation pipes 51, or by the distal end of one of the combustion chamber insulation pipes 51 and a channel cover connected thereto.

[0057] The adapter 60 can be detachably connected to the heating water drain port 33 and the combustion chamber supply port 23. The heating water drain port 33 can be the inlet of the sensible heat channel or the distal end of the sensible heat insulation pipe 52. The combustion chamber supply port 23 is the inlet of the combustion chamber channel. The heating water drain port 33 and the combustion chamber supply port 23 can protrude outward from the heat exchangers 30 and 40 and the combustion chamber 20. In order to connect the heating water drain port 33 and the combustion chamber supply port 23 so that they are detachable, the heating water drain port 33 and the combustion chamber supply port 23 can be arranged in the same direction relative to a third party along the water heater 1.

[0058] The adapter 60 may have an adapter heat exchanger portion 61 and an adapter combustion chamber side portion 62 connected to each other on the upper and lower sides, and the heating water drain port 33 and the combustion chamber supply port 23 may be connected to each other when they are connected to the heating water drain port 33 and the combustion chamber supply port 23. The adapter heat exchanger portion 61 may have an adapter heat exchanger side connection portion as one end, to which the heating water drain port 33 is connected, and the adapter combustion chamber side portion 62 may have an adapter combustion chamber side connection portion, to which the combustion chamber supply port 23 is connected.

[0059] The adapter 60 may include an adapter O-ring. The adapter O-ring is a component disposed between the adapter heat exchanger portion 61 and the adapter combustion chamber side portion 62 in the area where they connect to each other, and may be elastic to maintain a sealing state between the adapter heat exchanger portion 61 and the adapter combustion chamber side portion 62.

[0060] The adapter heat exchanger section 61 can be inserted into and connected to the adapter combustion chamber side section 62. This is to prevent direct leakage of heating water, even if the adapter O-ring cannot maintain a seal when heating water flows through the adapter 60.

[0061] The adapter clips can be provided at the points where the adapter heat exchanger portion 61 and the adapter combustion chamber side portion 62 connect to each other, and they can be pressed inward to securely connect them. Additionally, separate clips can be provided at the points where the adapter 60 connects to the heating water drain port 33 and the combustion chamber supply port 23 for an even more secure connection.

[0062] The adapter heat exchanger section 61 and the adapter combustion chamber side section 62 can have a bent "L" shape. Therefore, the adapter 60 formed by connecting the two components can have an angled "U" shape.

[0063] A bend can be used instead of adapter 60 to connect the heating water drain hole 33 and the combustion chamber supply hole 23.

[0064] Side panel encapsulation 82

[0065] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, inside the water heater 1, a side plate enclosure 82 disposed between the sensible heat insulation pipe 52 and the combustion chamber insulation pipe 51 can be included in the water heater to contact the inner surface of the housing 70. The side plate enclosure 82 can further extend toward the combustion chamber 20 to further contact the inner surface of the side wall 21.

[0066] The area between the sensible heat insulation pipe 52 and the combustion chamber insulation pipe 51 is neither insulated nor cooled, thus posing a risk of overheating. When the combustion chamber 20 is insulated using an insulation material, the risk of overheating is relatively low because the insulation material covers the potentially overheated area. However, when the potentially overheated area is exposed as in the first embodiment of the invention, it may fade due to overheating. To prevent this, the side plate enclosure 82 can be disposed in contact with the potentially overheated area, thereby inhibiting heat transfer to the housing 70.

[0067] The water heater 1 may also include an enclosure bracket 81. The enclosure bracket 81 is a bracket that clamps and supports the side panel enclosure 82 and the inner surface of the housing 70 such that the side panel enclosure 82 contacts the inner surface of the housing 70. That is, the side panel enclosure 82 may be located between the inner surface of the housing 70 and the enclosure bracket 81. The distal end of the enclosure bracket 81 may be formed to slope inward toward the interior of the combustion space 200 as it rises, and may guide the side panel enclosure 82 when it is inserted into the space formed between the enclosure bracket 81 and the housing 70.

[0068] The encapsulation bracket 81 and the side plate encapsulation 82 can contact the sensible heat insulation conduit 52 with the housing 70 therebetween. The encapsulation bracket 81, which indirectly contacts the sensible heat insulation conduit 52, can be cooled by the sensible heat insulation conduit 52 to aid in the operation of the side plate encapsulation 82, which prevents heat transfer to areas that may overheat.

[0069] Burner 10

[0070] The burner 10 is configured to initiate a combustion reaction using air and fuel. Therefore, the burner 10 may include a mixing chamber 11, a spark plug, a blower 14, a fuel pump, a mounting frame 12, and a distribution plate 13.

[0071] Blower 14 receives electrical power for operation and is configured to pump air at a specific pressure. Therefore, blower 14 may include an impeller and a motor, but the components constituting blower 14 are not limited to these. A fuel pump can pump and supply fuel to mixing chamber 11.

[0072] The mixing chamber 11 is a component that receives air from the blower 14 and receives fuel to form a mixture, and may cover an opening formed along the reference direction D1 on the upstream side of the combustion chamber 20. A fixed frame 12 with an opening at its center may be connected along the reference direction D1 to the downstream side of the mixing chamber 11. The fixed frame 12 may be located between the combustion chamber 20 and the mixing chamber 11.

[0073] The fixed frame 12 may include a frame cover 121. The fixed frame 12 may include a frame support 122. The frame cover 121 may be fixed between the mixing chamber 11 and the combustion chamber 20, and the frame cover 121 may cover the upper end of the combustion chamber 20. The frame support 122 may be connected to the frame cover 121. A portion of the frame support 122 may be exposed inside the combustion chamber 20.

[0074] The frame support 122 may include a support fixing portion 1221. The support fixing portion 1221 may be located on the outermost side of the frame support 122 with respect to the width direction D2 and the length direction D3, and may be connected to the frame cover 121. The support fixing portion 1221 may be inserted into and fixed to the interior of the frame cover 121. The support fixing portion 1221 may be connected to the frame cover 121 by fastening members. The support fixing portion 1221 may be formed to extend in both the width direction D2 and the length direction D3.

[0075] The frame support 122 may include a support connecting portion 1222. The support connecting portion connects the support fixing portion 1221 and the support stop portion 1223. The support connecting portion 1222 may have a side surface extending in the reference direction D1 and the length direction D3, and a side surface extending in the reference direction D1 and the width direction D2 to connect the inner end of the support fixing portion 1221 and the outer end of the support stop portion 1223.

[0076] The frame support 122 may include a support stop portion 1223. The support stop portion 1223 may form an opening around its center and be included within the burner frame 21. An outer portion of the distribution plate 13 is coupled to the support stop portion 1223. The outer portion of the distribution plate 13 may refer to the opposite ends of the distribution plate 13 in the width direction D2 and the length direction D3. The support stop portion 1223 may be formed around a combustion zone formed in the distribution plate 13. The support stop portion 1223 may extend along the width direction D2 and the length direction D3 to secure the distribution plate 13 within it while the distribution plate 13 covers and closes the opening formed at the center of the support stop portion 1223, and may extend obliquely along the intermediate direction of the width direction D2, the length direction D3, and the reference direction D1.

[0077] When viewed from the combustion space 200, which is the interior space of the combustion chamber 20, in a direction opposite to the reference direction D1, the area formed on the circumference of the distribution plate 13 is covered by the support stop portion 1223, and at least a portion of the combustion zone is exposed. Therefore, the combustion zone can be formed from the outer point P1 located at the boundary between the inner end of the support stop portion 1223 and the lower surface 221 of the distribution plate 13, and the flame accompanying the combustion reaction can extend into the combustion space 200.

[0078] The combustion reaction occurs on the surface of the distribution plate 13 located at the downstream side relative to the reference direction D1, and the flame extends. Let us define the area of ​​the distribution plate 13 where the combustion reaction occurs as the combustion zone in this way. The mixture is burned, and a flame is generated in the combustion zone, and no flame extending into the combustion space 200 is generated at any other point outside the combustion zone. The combustion zone can be configured such that the normal N1 drawn from any point in the combustion zone does not contact the inner surface of the combustion chamber 20. As shown, the combustion zone can be configured such that the normal N1 does not reach the side plate enclosure 82. The normal N1 drawn from any point in the combustion zone can contact the upstream side of the heat exchangers 30 and 40 relative to the reference direction D1 before contacting the inner surface of the combustion chamber 20.

[0079] Here, normal N1 refers to a line perpendicular to the tangent plane and passing through a point in a curved combustion zone when an imaginary tangent plane is formed at that point. As in the first embodiment of the invention, in the case of a combustion zone formed by extending a specific shape in a direction perpendicular to the plane, the line perpendicular to the tangent drawn from the outer point P1 (the outer point P1 is a point in the plane with a specific shape) and passing through that point is normal N1.

[0080] Because the normal N1 drawn from the combustion zone does not contact the inner surface of the combustion chamber 20, the flame formed in the combustion zone does not contact the inner surface of the combustion chamber 20, or even if it does, it may have a very small effect. Therefore, a portion of the heat transferred to the side plates of the combustion chamber 20 by the frame is reduced, and thus the combustion chamber 20 can be prevented from overheating.

[0081] As shown in the figure, the distribution plate 13 can be a curved surface, formed by extending a raised profile from a cross-section along a reference direction D1 in a direction perpendicular to a cross-section. The direction perpendicular to a cross-section can be the length direction D3.

[0082] Due to the shape of the combustion zone, the direction in which the normal N1 extends from any point in the combustion zone does not change along the length direction D3, but rather along the width direction D2.

[0083] The combustion zone can be constructed such that the normal N1 drawn from the outermost external point P1 relative to the width direction D2 is prevented from contacting the inner surface of the combustion chamber 20. The magnitude of the acute angle θ is defined by the line extending from the outermost point P1 of the combustion zone parallel to the reference direction D1 and the normal N1 at the outermost point P1. The distance from the outermost point P1 forming the normal N1 along the width direction D2 to the inner surface of the combustion chamber 20 is defined as "L", and the distance from the outermost point P1 forming the normal N1 along the reference direction D1 to the point located on the most downstream side of the inner surface of the combustion chamber 20 is defined as "H". In this case, the burner 10 can be constructed such that the combustion area and the inner surface of the combustion chamber 20 satisfy mathematical formula 1 as an inequality.

[0084] [Mathematical Formula 1]

[0085]

[0086] In the description of the first embodiment, the relationship between the angle and length of the normal N1 at the external point P1 has been described, but the burner 10 can be configured such that the same equation is satisfied at any point other than the external point P1.

[0087] The spark plug is configured to generate a spark in a mixture formed by mixing air and fuel in the mixing chamber 11 for ignition.

[0088] The distribution plate 13 is configured to hold the ignited flame. The distribution plate 13 may have a plate shape. The combustion reaction can occur simultaneously with the injection of the mixture through the distribution plate 13. The opposite ends of the distribution plate 13 in the width direction D2 and the length direction D3 can be connected to the fixing frame 12, and the distribution plate 13 can be configured to open and close the opening of the fixing frame 12. A pad formed by densely weaving metal fibers to hold the flame can be provided on the downstream side of the distribution plate 13 along the reference direction D1.

[0089] Figure 3 This is a view showing the shape of the distribution plate 13 of the burner 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] A plurality of through holes 131 and 132 can be formed by passing through the distribution plate 13 along the reference direction D1. The plurality of through holes 131 and 132 can be provided on the distribution plate 13 to be spaced apart from each other in the length direction D3 and the width direction D2. The through holes 131 and 132 can have a slit shape extending along the width direction D2. A through hole row can be formed by grouping the through holes 131 and 132, with the through holes 131 and 132 located at the same position along the width direction D2 and spaced apart from each other at specific intervals. Multiple through hole rows can be formed along the width direction D2. Through holes 131 and 132 included in one through hole row can have the same interval, and through holes 131 and 132 included in another through hole row can have another interval.

[0091] The distribution plate 13 includes a central portion A11 located at the center relative to the width direction D2 and an outer skirt portion A12 located on the opposite side of the central portion A11. That is, the outer skirt portion A12 can be divided into two parts, separated by the central portion A11. The through holes 131 and 132 located on the outer skirt portion A12 refer to the outer skirt through hole 132, while the through holes 131 and 131 located on the central portion A11 refer to the central through hole 131. The sum of the widths of the outer skirt portion A12 relative to the width direction D2 can be equal to or less than the width of the central portion A11.

[0092] The penetration density obtained by dividing the sum of the areas of the outer skirt through-holes 132 by the area of ​​the outer skirt portion A12 can be less than the penetration density obtained by dividing the sum of the areas of the central through-holes 131 by the area of ​​the central portion A11. The penetration density of the outer skirt portion A12 can be 70% or less of the penetration density of the central portion A11. Therefore, the amount of mixture passing through the distribution plate 13 can be concentrated at the central portion A11, rather than at the outer skirt portion A12, thus allowing a strong flame to be formed at the central portion A12.

[0093] The outer skirt through-hole 132 can be configured such that the outer distal end of the flame formed by the mixture passing through the outer skirt through-hole 132 relative to the width direction D2 is located on the inner side of the portion of the side wall 21 of the combustion chamber 20 that contacts the combustion chamber insulation pipe 51. That is, by reducing the size of the outer skirt portion of the formed flame to prevent the frame from directly contacting the combustion chamber insulation pipe 51 or the side wall 21 of the combustion chamber 20, incomplete combustion due to overheating can be prevented, and flame splashing can be prevented.

[0094] The spacing of the through-hole array in the central portion A11 and the spacing of the through-hole array in the outer skirt portion A12 can be different. The spacing of the through-hole array in the central portion A11 can be smaller than the spacing of the through-hole array in the outer skirt portion A12.

[0095] The outer skirt through-hole 132 may include an outer through-hole 1321 disposed on the outermost side relative to the width direction D2 and an inner through-hole 1322 disposed inside the outer through-hole 132. The outer through-hole 1321 and the inner through-hole 1322 may be configured to be alternately spaced apart from each other along the length direction D3 when viewed along the width direction D2. The outer through-hole 1321 and the inner through-hole 1322 may be configured to be alternately spaced apart from each other by a first interval and a second interval. Therefore, the outer skirt through-hole 132 may be configured such that one outer through-hole 1321 and one inner through-hole 1322 may be positioned adjacent to each other, and another outer through-hole 1321 and another inner through-hole 1322 may be positioned at a position spaced apart from each other by a specific interval.

[0096] The number of outer skirt through holes 132 can be less than the number of center through holes 131. The sum of the areas of the outer skirt through holes 132 can be less than the sum of the areas of the center through holes 131.

[0097] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the widths of the two outer skirt portions A12 are each 25% of the width of the distribution plate 13, and the width of the central portion A11 is 50% of the width of the distribution plate 13. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the number of central through holes 131 is twice the number of outer skirt through holes 132. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the sum of the areas of the outer skirt through holes 132 is 33.6% of the sum of the areas of all through holes 131 and 132, and the sum of the areas of the central through holes 131 is 66.3% of the area of ​​all through holes 131 and 132.

[0098] Figure 4 This is a view showing the shape of the distribution plate of a burner according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] The shape of the distribution plate 13b according to the second embodiment of the present invention differs in detailed dimensions from that of the distribution plate 13 of the burner 10 according to the first embodiment. Except for the shape of the distribution plate 13b of the burner according to the second embodiment, the contents of the water heater 1 according to the first embodiment can be directly applied to the remaining components of the water heater according to the second embodiment. Specifically, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the width of the outer skirt portion A22 is 13.3% of the width of the distribution plate 13b, and the width of the central portion A21 is 73.4% of the width of the distribution plate 13. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the number of central through holes 131b is 5.5 times the number of outer skirt through holes 132b. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the sum of the areas of the outer skirt through holes 132b is 15.4% of the sum of the areas of all through holes 131b and 132b, and the sum of the areas of the central through holes 131b is 84.6% of the sum of the areas of all through holes 131b and 132b. The number of through hole rows in the central portion A21 of the second embodiment is greater than the number of through hole rows in the central portion A11 of the first embodiment.

[0100] Figure 5 This is a view showing the shape of the distribution plate of a burner according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] The shape of the distribution plate 13c according to the third embodiment of the present invention differs in detailed dimensions from that of the distribution plates according to the first and second embodiments. Except for the shape of the distribution plate 13c of the burner according to the third embodiment, the contents of the water heater 1 according to the first embodiment can be directly applied to the remaining components of the water heater according to the second embodiment. Specifically, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the width of the outer skirt portion A32 is 9.5% of the width of the distribution plate 13c, and the width of the central portion A31 is 81.0% of the width of the distribution plate 13. In the third embodiment of the present invention, the number of central through holes 131c is 8.5 times the number of outer skirt through holes 132c. In the third embodiment of the present invention, the sum of the areas of the outer skirt through holes 132c is 10.6% of the sum of the areas of all through holes 131c and 132c, and the sum of the areas of the central through holes 131c is 89.4% of the area of ​​all through holes 131c and 132c.

[0102] That is, according to embodiments of the present invention, the widths of the outer skirt portions A12, A22, and A32 of the burner can be no less than 9.5% and no more than 25% of the widths of the distribution plates 13, 13b, and 13c, respectively, and the widths of the central portions A11, A21, and A31 can be no less than 50% and no more than 81% of the widths of the distribution plates 13, 13b, and 13c. Furthermore, the number of central through holes 131, 131b, and 131c of the burner according to embodiments of the present invention can be no less than twice the number of outer skirt through holes 132, 132b, and 132c and no more than 8.8 times the number of outer skirt through holes 132, 132b, and 132c. Furthermore, the sum of the areas of the outer skirt through holes 132, 132b, and 132c of the burner according to embodiments of the present invention can be no less than 10.6% and no more than 33.6% of the sum of the areas of the through holes 131, 131b, 131c, 132, 132a, and 132c provided in the distribution plates 13, 13b, and 13c. Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the sum of the areas of the central through holes 131, 131b, and 131c of the burner can be no less than 66.3% and no more than 89.4% of the sum of the areas of the through holes 131, 131b, 131c, 132, 132b, and 132c provided in the distribution plates 13, 13b, and 13c. The number of through hole rows in the central portion A31 of the third embodiment can be greater than the number of through hole rows in the central portion A21 of the second embodiment.

[0103] Figure 6 This is a view showing the shape of the distribution plate of a burner according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] The shape of the distribution plate 13d according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention differs in detailed dimensions from that of the distribution plates according to the first to third embodiments. Except for the shape of the distribution plate 13d of the burner according to the fourth embodiment, the contents of the water heater 1 according to the first embodiment can be directly applied to the remaining components of the water heater according to the fourth embodiment.

[0105] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the area of ​​the outer skirt through hole 132d, which is a through hole provided at the outer skirt portion A42, can be smaller than the area of ​​the central through hole 131d, which is a through hole provided at the central portion A41. Specifically, the width of the outer skirt through hole 132d along the width direction D2 is smaller than the width of the central through hole 131d along the width direction D2. In the outer skirt through hole 132d, the width of the outer through hole located on the outside along the width direction D2 can be smaller than the width of the inner through hole located on the inside.

[0106] Figure 7 This is a view showing the shape of the distribution plate of a burner according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] The shape of the distribution plate 13e according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention differs in detailed dimensions from that of the distribution plates according to the first to fourth embodiments. Apart from the shape of the distribution plate 13e of the burner according to the fifth embodiment, the contents of the water heater 1 according to the first embodiment can be directly applied to the remaining components of the water heater according to the fifth embodiment.

[0108] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the area of ​​the outer skirt through-hole 132e, which is a through-hole provided in the outer skirt portion A52, can be smaller than the area of ​​the central through-hole 131e, which is a through-hole provided in the central portion A51. Specifically, the thickness of the outer skirt through-hole 132e along the length direction D3 can be smaller than the thickness of the central through-hole 131e along the length direction D3. In the outer skirt through-hole 132e, the width of the outer through-hole located on the outside along the width direction D2 can be smaller than the width of the inner through-hole located on the inside.

[0109] Figure 8 This is a view showing the state in which the support stop portion 1223f of the burner frame covers the distribution plate 13 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] The water heater according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention differs from the water heaters according to the first to fifth embodiments only in that a portion of the bracket stop portion 1223f covers some of the outer skirt through holes 132. Apart from the shape of the bracket stop portion 1223f according to the sixth embodiment, the contents of the water heater 1 according to the first embodiment can be directly applied to the remaining components of the water heater according to the sixth embodiment.

[0111] The inner end of the support stop portion 1223f of the burner frame in the width direction can cover multiple portions of the outer skirt through hole 132, which serves as a through hole provided at the outer skirt portion A12. The inner end of the support stop portion 1223f in the width direction can cover at least a portion of the outer through hole 1321. The inner end of the support stop portion 1223f in the width direction can cover a portion of the inner through hole 1322. Therefore, when the support stop portion 1223f covers the outer skirt through hole 132, the entire area of ​​the outer skirt through hole 132 can be reduced.

[0112] Figure 9 This is a view showing the state of the cover plate 90g covering the distribution plate 13 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] The water heater according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention differs from the water heaters according to the first to sixth embodiments only in that it also has a cover plate 90g. The description of the water heater 1 according to the first embodiment can be applied as is to other components of the water heater according to the seventh embodiment.

[0114] The water heater may include a cover plate 90g. The cover plate 90g may be formed of a material including stainless steel. The cover plate 90g may cover some of the through holes adjacent to the opposite ends of the distribution plate 13 in the width direction. The cover plate 90g may be divided into two parts spaced apart from each other in the width direction D2. The cover plate 90g may be attached to the distribution plate 13, or it may be attached to the bracket stop portion 1223 for fixation.

[0115] In other words, the cover plate 90g can cover multiple portions of the outer skirt through hole 132, which is a through hole provided at the outer skirt portion A12. The cover plate 90g can cover at least a portion of the outer through hole 1321. The cover plate 90g can cover a portion of the inner through hole 1322. Therefore, when the cover plate 90g covers the outer skirt through hole 132, the entire area of ​​the outer skirt through hole 132 can be reduced.

[0116] Figure 10 This is a view showing the shape of the frame produced in burner "B" using an exemplary distribution plate. Figure 11 This is a view showing the shape of the flame produced in the burner 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] An exemplary case can be considered using a distribution plate in which through-holes are uniformly arranged, but the number of through-holes is not adjusted. When a flame F1 is formed by combustion reaction using a burner "B" including the exemplary distribution plate, the flame F11 formed on the outside relative to the width direction flows to form as... Figure 10 As shown, it is large, and the aforementioned incomplete combustion may occur when the flame F11 contacts the side wall of the combustion chamber.

[0118] Figure 11 The shape of the flame F2 that can be obtained when using the distribution plate 13 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown, and is related to... Figure 10 In contrast, it can be determined that the flame formed on the outside relative to the width direction D2 is reduced. Therefore, the flame may not reach the part of the side wall of the combustion chamber 20 that comes into contact with the combustion chamber insulation pipe 51, which can reduce incomplete combustion that may occur in the exemplary burner 10, reduce carbon monoxide, and improve the efficiency of the water heater 1.

[0119] Even though all the components constituting the embodiments of the present invention have been described above as being combined into one or combined to operate, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. That is, all components may be selectively combined into one to operate within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, due to the foregoing terms, such as "comprising," "including," or "having," meaning that a corresponding component may be included unless specifically described otherwise, it should be understood that another component is not excluded, but may be further included. Unless otherwise defined, all terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Commonly used terms, such as predefined terms, should be interpreted as consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless explicitly defined in this invention.

[0120] The above description is a simple example of the technical spirit of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can make various corrections and modifications to the present invention without departing from its essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in this invention are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the invention, but are provided to describe the invention, and the scope of the technical spirit of the invention is not limited by the embodiments. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should be interpreted by the appended claims, and all technical spirit within the equivalent scope falls within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A burner for a water heater, the burner being located upstream of a combustion chamber with reference to a reference direction, the reference direction being the flow direction of combustion gases generated by the combustion reaction, the burner comprising: A plate-shaped distribution plate, said distribution plate being configured to generate the combustion reaction. Wherein, when a direction perpendicular to the reference direction is defined as the length direction, and a direction perpendicular to both the reference direction and the length direction is defined as the width direction, Multiple through-holes are arranged in the distribution plate along the reference direction and spaced apart from each other along the length and width directions, such that the fuel and air mixture for the combustion reaction passes through the multiple through-holes. The distribution plate includes a central portion located at the center with reference to the width direction and an outer skirt portion located on the opposite side of the central portion, and The penetration density obtained by dividing the sum of the areas of the through holes located in the outer skirt portion by the area of ​​the outer skirt portion is less than the penetration density obtained by dividing the sum of the areas of the through holes located in the central portion by the area of ​​the central portion. The spacing between the through-hole rows in the central portion is smaller than the spacing between the through-hole rows in the outer skirt portion.

2. The burner according to claim 1, wherein, The penetration density of the outer skirt portion is no greater than 70% of the penetration density of the central portion.

3. The burner according to claim 1, wherein, Referring to the width direction, the width of the outer skirt portion is smaller than the width of the center portion.

4. The burner according to claim 3, wherein, The width of the outer skirt portion is not less than 9.5% and not more than 25% of the width of the distribution plate, and The width of the central portion is not less than 50% and not greater than 81% of the area of ​​the distribution plate.

5. The burner according to claim 1, wherein, The number of through holes provided on the outer skirt portion is less than the number of through holes provided on the central portion.

6. The burner according to claim 5, wherein, The number of through holes provided in the central portion is not less than twice the number of through holes provided in the outer skirt portion and not more than 8.5 times the number of through holes provided in the outer skirt portion.

7. The burner according to claim 1, wherein, The sum of the areas of the through holes located on the outer skirt portion is less than the sum of the areas of the through holes located on the central portion.

8. The burner according to claim 7, wherein, The sum of the areas of the through holes provided on the outer skirt portion is not less than 10.6% and not greater than 33.6% of the sum of the areas of the through holes provided on the distribution plate. Wherein, the sum of the areas of the through holes provided in the central portion is not less than 66.3% and not greater than 89.4% of the sum of the areas of the through holes provided in the distribution plate.

9. The burner according to claim 1, wherein, The through holes provided on the outer skirt portion include an outer through hole located at the outermost position with reference to the width direction and an inner through hole located inside the outer through hole.

10. The burner according to claim 9, wherein, The external through-hole and the internal through-hole are alternately arranged along the length direction so that they are spaced apart from each other when viewed along the width direction. The external through hole and the internal through hole are configured to be alternately spaced apart by a first interval and a second interval.

11. The burner according to claim 1, wherein, The area of ​​each through hole located on the outer skirt portion is smaller than the area of ​​each through hole located on the central portion.

12. The burner according to claim 1, wherein, The width of each of the through holes located on the outer skirt portion is less than the width of each of the through holes located on the central portion along the width direction.

13. The burner according to claim 1, wherein, The thickness of each through hole in the outer skirt portion along the length direction is less than the thickness of each through hole in the central portion along the length direction.

14. The burner according to claim 1, further comprising: A burner frame having an opening at its center, and the opposite ends of the distribution plate in the width and length directions being connected to the burner frame such that the distribution plate is configured to close the opening. The inner end of the burner frame in the width direction is located at the outer skirt portion.

15. The burner according to claim 1, further comprising: A cover plate covers a portion of the through-hole located on the outer skirt portion, adjacent to the opposite end of the distribution plate in the width direction. The cover plate is formed of a material including stainless steel.

16. The burner according to claim 1, wherein, The distribution plate includes a combustion zone, which is the area in which the combustion reaction occurs. The combustion region has a contour that is formed to bulge downwards in a cross-section taken along a plane perpendicular to the length direction. The combustion zone is formed such that a normal drawn from at least one of the two outermost points located in the width direction does not contact the inner surface of the combustion chamber.

17. A water heater, comprising: A burner comprising a mixing chamber and a plate-shaped distribution plate, wherein fuel and air are mixed in the mixing chamber to produce a mixture, and the plate-shaped distribution plate is configured to produce a combustion reaction when the mixture is injected; A combustion chamber configured such that the flame generated by the combustion reaction is located inside the combustion chamber; A heat exchanger configured to heat water using heat generated by the combustion reaction; and A combustion chamber insulation duct, configured to allow water to flow to the outside of the combustion chamber for insulation. Wherein, when the direction of the combustion gas flow generated by the combustion reaction is defined as the reference direction, a direction perpendicular to the reference direction is defined as the length direction, and a direction perpendicular to both the reference direction and the length direction is defined as the width direction. Multiple through holes are disposed in the distribution plate along the reference direction and spaced apart from each other along the length and width directions, such that the mixture passes through the multiple through holes. The distribution plate includes a central portion located at the center with reference to the width direction and an outer skirt portion located on the opposite side of the central portion, and The through-hole formed at the outer skirt portion is configured such that the outer distal end of the flame formed by the mixture passing through the through-hole at the outer skirt portion with reference to the width direction is located inside the portion of the sidewall of the combustion chamber that contacts the combustion chamber insulation pipe. The spacing between the through-hole rows in the central portion is smaller than the spacing between the through-hole rows in the outer skirt portion.

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